The original Green Lantern was first introduced in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. His name was Alan Scott, a ring-wielder whose powers were rooted in magic. It wasn't until the Silver Age of comics in 1959 that Hal Jordan was introduced as a test pilot chosen by the dying alien Abin Sur to wield a scientifically powered ring as part of the intergalactic peacekeeping force called the Green Lantern Corps.
This reinvention by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane cemented the modern Green Lantern's pace in pop culture: Guardians of justice, empowered by will and backed by the ancient Guardians of the Universe. If you're ready to explore the luminous legacy of the Green Lantern Corps, here's how to watch the Green Lantern movies and TV shows in order across streaming services like Max and Amazon Prime Video.
Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)
Green Lantern: First Flight is a fast-paced, tightly packed animated film that reimagines Hal Jordan's induction into the Corps. After Abin Sur's ring finds Hal, he's hurled into the complex politics of Oa, where his brash Earthborn instincts put him at odds with the more conservative Lanterns, and especially with Sinestro, his elite mentor-turned-antagonist. This film leans into space opera, complete with galactic chases, moral gray zones, and betrayal that echoes classic noir thrillers. While it condenses a rich origin into a mere 77 minutes, it captures the essence of Green Lantern's world with energetic animation, sleek design, and a sharp script.
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011)
Framed around a looming battle with the anti-matter titan Krona, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights is a film that focuses on different Lanterns from across the galaxy. This includes Avra, the first Lantern to create constructs, Kilowog, the gruff drill sergeant with a heart of gold, Laira, who is torn between loyalty and duty, and the sentient planet Mongo. It's not a singular narrative but a mosaic of mythmaking that emphasizes the scope of the Corps. With dazzling visuals, the 84-minute Emerald Knights movie feels like a love letter to the fans who know there's more to the Green Lantern story than just Hal Jordan.
Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011)
One of the most beloved hidden gems in DC's animated catalog, Green Lantern: The Animated Series embraced early CGI animation to deliver a serialized, emotionally resonant space saga. The show follows Hal Jordan and Kilowog as they travel through Frontier Space to battle the rising threat of the Red Lanterns. What begins as a straightforward battle of wills and rage quickly evolves into an unexpectedly personal journey, especially with the introduction of Razer, a conflicted Red Lantern, and Aya, an artificial intelligence who develops self-awareness. Although the show was canceled after just one season, it still has a devoted fanbase.
Green Lantern (2011)
Starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, this was DC's attempt to launch Green Lantern as a major cinematic franchise. While the movie is often critiqued for its over-reliance on CGI and muddled storytelling, it's not without merit. The film introduces essential lore, from the Guardians and the planet Oa to the villainous entity Parallax to the seeds of Sinestro's eventual fall. Reynolds brings a cocky likability to Hal, though the tone sometimes struggles between irreverent fun and cosmic gravitas. The film is still considered divisive by some. But for hardcore DC fans, it remains an important entry that proves that Green Lantern belongs on the big screen.
Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022)
Shifting the spotlight to John Stewart, Green Lantern: Beware My Power presents a darker, more grounded story of a Marine-turned-Lantern navigating war, legacy, and inner demons. After the unexpected death of Hal Jordan, John inherits the ring and is thrust into a galaxy-spanning crisis involving Rann, Thanagar, and a collapsing peace. More introspective than previous entries, this film wrestles with trauma, responsibility, and what it means to take up a mantle you never asked for. It also serves as a soft reset in DC's animated continuity, placing Stewart in the spotlight as a stoic, determined Lantern who brings a fresh edge to the Corps.
Lanterns (2026)
Slated for release in early 2026 on HBO, Lanterns is poised to be the Green Lantern franchise's true prestige breakout. The series is described as a detective story with cosmic implications. The story will follow Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder on Earth and uncover secrets that could shake up the Guardians' entire foundation. With Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the lead roles, expectations are sky-high. If all goes well, Lanterns could be the defining on-screen adaptation that finally gives the Green Lantern universe the treatment it deserves.
Where To Stream All The Green Lantern Movies & TV Shows in Order
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
